Background
Overview
Understanding the unique administrative structure of Union Territories, especially those with legislatures, and the powers of the Lieutenant Governor is crucial for Indian Polity. The J&K case provides a contemporary example of the challenges and debates surrounding accountability, democratic governance, and the balance of power between central appointees and elected representatives in UTs.
Union Territories (UTs) in India are directly administered by the Central Government through an Administrator or Lieutenant Governor (LG) appointed by the President. While some UTs like Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir have their own elected legislatures and Council of Ministers, the LG holds significant powers, often leading to debates regarding the balance of power between the elected government and the central appointee.